FLOOR HOCKEY STUDY GUIDEHISTORYTom Harter, director of Civic Recreation in Battle Creek, Michigan, introduced the new game of floor hockey modified from its original game of ice hockey in 1962. The object is to score points by hitting the puck or ball into the goal or net.THE GAME- Play begins with a face-off at mid court in the center circle. - Play is continuous and stops when the whistle is blown or a goal is scored. -A goal is scored when a player hits , sweeps, or pushes the puck into the net with the stick directly or it deflects off one of his/her teammates or a defensive player into the goal.POSITIONSCenter – This player is allowed to move anywhere on the court. This player also leads the offensive plays to score goals.

Forwards – (Right and Left): Players who cannot go past the center line into the defensive area. Their responsibility is to work with the center on offensive plays. They are also responsible for scoring goals.Defenders –Players who cannot go past the center line into the offensive area. Their responsibility is to keep the puck or ball out of their defensive half of the floor.Goalie – Player who is allowed to stop the ball with hands, feet, or stick. This player attempts to block all shots on the goal and works with the defenders to prevent the other team from scoring.RULES AND REGULATIONSEach team consists of 6 players –center (roamer), right forward, left forward, right defender, left defender, and a goalie.Play starts with a face-off at the center circle and after each goal.Goalies must stay in their box , the forwards must stay in the offensive half, and the defense must stay in the defensive half.TERMSASSIST – A pass from a teammate that leads to a goal.CENTERING THE BALL – To pass to a spot in front of the opponents goal.HAT TRICK – When one player scores 3 goals in one game.HIGH STICK – A foul, when the blade of the stick is higher than a players waist.FACE-OFF – Play starts at the beginning of each game and after each goal, with the two centers facing each other and attempting to gain possession of the ball.OFF-SIDES – When a defensive player is in the offensive side of the court, or an offensive player crosses into the defensive side.

STRATEGIES

- Never pass in front of your own goal on defense.

- Be responsible for covering your area or person. (Make sure everyone is being guarded.)- Move the ball, using stick handling to evade defenders rather than just clearing the ball away. - If no one is defending you, stick handle and possess the ball towards the opponent’s goal until you become guarded.- Keep moving to create passing lanes and open shots.

- Always look to pass before shooting. - Dribble to create space.SAFETY RULES1. Do not bend the blades.2. Blade below the waist at all times.3. No slap shots.

4. No checking or body contact is allowed.

5. Puck should not be caught or held in the hand, except by the goalie. It may be stopped, but cannot be held, passed or advanced with the hand.6. Be respectful and safe when goalie or sideline substitutes are reaching for the hockey ball.